Shopping
You’re gonna want everything.
It’s International Women’s Day and while talking about how amazing women are is all good and fine, what’s even better is supporting women-owned brands and businesses. A holiday isn’t needed to shop from women-owned small businesses, but it does provide a convenient reason to treat yourself and splurge on something pretty.
It should go without saying that women entrepreneurs are shaking up industries everywhere, from food to design to beauty to fashion. With direct-to-consumer fashion brands popping up seemingly every single day, it can be challenging to keep track of all the best women-owned gems out there. But before you venture down a Google rabbit hole, take a minute to check out this list of ten women-owned fashion brands that you should definitely be shopping from right now.
Bear in mind, this is not an exhaustive list — countless female founders and designers are making a name for themselves all over the hyper competitive world of fashion. It’s not an exaggeration to say that a list like this could include hundreds of up-and-coming labels.
Ahead, you’ll find a primer on some of the key brands that Bustle editors have got their eyes on. Take notes, because you’re bound to stumble upon several items you need immediately.
We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
1
For The Trendsetter
Balancing bold color, handcrafted techniques, natural fibers, and an innovative play on traditional silhouettes, Abacaxi is the wearable vision of Indian-American designer, Sheena Sood. Named after the Portuguese word for pineapple, Abacaxi blends a vibrant tropical spirit with a modern New York City-inspired lifestyle.
2
For The Posh Friend
Chelsea Paris was founded by Theresa Ebagua, a Nigerian-born Black footwear designer. Ebagua first decided to pursue her passion for design after leaving the tech industry to attend Arsutoria School in Italy, where she learned the ins and outs of footwear design and production. After a three-year hiatus and working to refine her brand aesthetic, Ebagua relaunched Chelsea Paris in Fall 2020 with an array of styles for every occasion.
3
For The Beach Lover
For International Women’s Day, Petit Kouraj will be donating 10% of profits from purchases made the week of March 8 to Olive Tree Projects, a non-profit organization that provides a birth house for women with certified midwives to deliver their babies in a safe, clean space for labor and delivery in Haiti.
Born in London to Haitian immigrants, founder Nasrin Jean-Baptiste amassed over a decade’s worth of experience as an international fashion stylist before creating Petit Kouraj, which makes fun, stand alone pieces of wearable art that celebrates a love of knitwear, sculpture, and identity.
4
For The Cowgirl
Designer Havva Mustafa launched her namesake shoe line after growing up in a family of third-generation traditional Turkish footwear artisans and designers. The small-batch, waste conscious collection is made in Turkey in a family-owned factory and counts celebrities like Lady Gaga, Halsey, and Camila Cabello as fans.
5
For The Gossip Girl Fan
It’s hard to scroll very far on fashion Instagram without seeing one of Susan Alexandra’s colorful beaded creations. Known for her it bags, the brand’s founder, Susan Korn, designs playful accessories that are perfect for those who want to add a little eye candy to any ensemble.
6
For The Organizer
If bespoke is what you’re after, look no further. Head designer Sade Mims prioritizes making each item one-of-a-kind and uniquely tailoring it to the wearer. This mini belt bag fits all the essentials while keeping them tidy and looking very stylish.
7
For The Bookworm
All that’s missing from this classic, book-ish look? Rimless eyeglasses and leather loafers, of course. The brand focuses on sustainability by picking fabrics for its core collection that don’t require dry cleaning or other toxic care.
8
For The Gal-On-The-Go
Known for its versatile, made-to-last products, Aday makes everyday staples that work like elevated loungewear. The brand embraces a seasonless approach by designing pieces that can be worn year-round, from casual hangouts to more formal events.
9
For The Jewelry Collector
Longtime friends from grad school, Sophie Kahn and Bouchra Ezzrahoui launched Aurate to bring transparency and quality to the fine jewelry market. Just last year, Aurate welcomed Kerry Washington to the family as an investor and design collaborator on the Lioness Collection.
10
For The Party Starter
Oula is marked by vibrant colors and patterns, with the brand sourcing Ankara (African Wax Fabric) globally. Each Oula item is extremely versatile, and can be worn to work, dinner, or as a coverup on vacation thanks to the fabric’s lightweight and wrinkle-resistant nature.
